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Nature of Agricultural Production at Salinity Prone Area in Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh

M.T. Khatun*
Sociology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

M. Rahman
Department of Social Service, Bagherhat, Ministry of Social Welfare, Bangladesh

S. Mostafiz
Department of Sociology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

H. Jamil
Department of Sociology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Global climate change is a matter of deep concern for countries like Bangladesh, whose economy largely depends on agricultural production. Agriculture contributes a big portion of the total GDP and provides a large volume of work for the population. In the last couple of years, the country has experienced erratic rainfall, high temperature, drought, high humidity and excessive salinity etc. due to global warming. Agricultural production of coastal salinity-prone areas of Bangladesh has been interrupted due to climatic change and intensity in salinity. The present study is conducted to maximize our understanding of agricultural production at salinity-prone areas in Betbunia, Vakotmari and Groikhali village of PaikgachaUpazila in Khulna district of Bangladesh. To do so, this study used a survey design to collect data from respondents. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. In addition, total 3 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used on a subsample of 24 respondents. This study highlights people’s knowledge of climate change, the difference between agricultural production in the past and at present, visibility of seasons, rainfall pattern, difficulties regarding shrimp cultivation, agriculture production, and disappearance of local trees and fishes due to climate change and salinity. The study found the declining trend of the density of some local tree species (e.g. Mango, Jackfruit, Palm, Guava tree, etc.) and fishes (e.g Ruhi, Shing, Magur, Gojar etc.) which is not a good sign for the salinity prone areas of Bangladesh. To reduce the impact, the government should be given topmost priority to agricultural development while maintaining a concern for climate change so that a sustainable development goal can be assured.

Keywords: Agriculture, Climate change, Salinity, Tress, Shrimp cultivation

Location: Betbunia, Vakotmari and Groikhali village of Paikgacha Upazila in Khulna district of Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Soil salinity, Agriculture

Objectives:

These models can provide a way to estimate crop production at coastal region. Research on crop simulation has concentrated on determining the relationships between crop growth, yields and environmental variables through field experiments as well as simulated experiments. So it is crying need to illustrate the actual situation and whether how to overcome the problem and how to ensure sufficient solutions. How productivity reduces due to salinity, shrimp farming and raise of coastal level? How does it differ the food production in time determination? The answer to these questions would help to formulate an effective relationship to show the situation of food production and consumption of people in salinity prone southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh along with identifying the livelihood pattern of people that is changing with climatic change.

Methodology:

A survey was designed to conduct the study at Betbunia, Vakotmariand Groikhali village of PaikgachaUpazila in Khulna district of Bangladesh. The study area was purposively selected based on the situation of climate change and food production in salinity prone southwest coastal region of Bangladesh, as indicated by the acuteness of salinity in the community, visibility of climate change impact on food production, the problems of local agricultural production due to salinity, patterns of alternative agricultural production. The respondents (head of household and 40 years or above) who formed the sample have profound knowledge about the gradual change of local climate and involve directly or indirectly in food production and control the family food consumption as household head in the selected villages. Considering the above-mentioned unite of analysis criteria 217 households (calculated from voter list) were identified through census as a study population. Simple random sampling was used to select 120 (40 from each village) respondents at a 95 % confidence level and a 6 % margin of error by using the Creative Research Systems’ Sample Size Calculator and The Research Advisors’ Sample Size Table [http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalc.htm] (Creative Research Systems). Additionally, a subsample of 24 respondents was selected for Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Three FGDs (1 for each village, each group contained 8 participants) were organized. The aim of organizing FGD was to obtain an understanding of the underlying situations related to the impact of climate change, impact of salinity on soil and food production, existing social and organizational support to address food security issues related to climate change. The primary data were collected through face-to-face interview and the secondary data were collected from certain institutions, organizations, NGOs and other government agencies. A team of 5 interviewers collected the data. To do this, initially an interview schedule was prepared and a pre-test was conducted with a sample of 15 (5 for each village) respondents over a single week period. Eventually, an interview schedule was prepared. Finally, the raw data were compiled and cleaned to make it suitable for statistical analysis.

Source of Information: Journal of Science and Technology 14 (June 2016): 48-54

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Agriculture, a key sector for providing socioeconomic development in Bangladesh, is facing the negative impacts of climate change. Coastal areas of Bangladesh are facing the tremendous challenges of climate change and salinity. Climate change determines the exposure to disaster and requires immediate efforts to build resilience and adaptive capacity. The households involved in the study area are participating in non-agricultural activities and in shrimp cultivation. Salinity hinders both cultivation and rearing of livestock resulting in scarcity of household food availability. To tackle the situation, the agricultural sector must be based on the principles of sustainable development and diversification. In addition, productivity has to be improved to meet the dual challenge of achieving food security and growing sufficient food to meet the increasing demand. Farmers utilize indigenous farming skills and selected modern technologies to minimize the harmful impacts of climate change, but it is important to create awareness on crop varieties, introduce salt-tolerant crops and alternative cropping systems to boost up agriculture. Additionally, social forestation, homestead gardening, and pond fishing can be encouraged as a substitute for the dominant livelihood of the coastal community. The involvement of experts and further study can assist in finding alternatives to ensure food security and possible adaptation strategy.

Knowledge Management: Journal